LGBTQ+ is an acronym standing for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus”. These terms describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The first four letters of the acronym have been used since the 1990s, but in recent years there has been an increased awareness of the need to be inclusive of other sexual identities to offer better representation (Sign up for a free NY Times account through Pratt Institute Libraries here). “Queer” has changed from its derogatory origins to become a popular catchall term for members of the community. “Plus” is used to signify all of the gender identities and sexual orientations that are not specifically covered by the other five initials. Examples include Two-Spirit (a pan-Indigenous American identity), Pansexual, Intersex, Asexual, and much more.
Although this acronym groups these different identities together, it is important to note that gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same.
LGBTQ+ is often used as an umbrella term for people who do not identify as straight or cisgender. These gender identities and sexual orientations have generally been grouped due to the deeply intertwined history of the Pride Movement.
Pride is an annual celebration, which originally commemorates the Stonewall Riots. The Riots began in the early hours of June 28, 1969, after police raided the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village neighborhood. These riots were led by key figures, like Marsha P. Johnson, who protested the homophobic and transphobic negative treatment and violence LGBTQ+ people faced by businesses, police, and society as a whole. The first Pride was a New York City parade that honored the anniversary of the riots. Since then Pride has expanded across the United States and the entire world, becoming a time to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ identities and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Pride serves as a way to counteract the historic societal shame and social, legal, and political prejudice LGBTQ+ people (especially trans women of color) have faced and continue to face. Thus, it is important to learn about the backgrounds of different sexual orientations and gender identities. By understanding, honoring, and celebrating the diverse members under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, we all can serve as better allies and work towards a more just and equitable society for all gender orientations and sexualities.
Queer Pratt strives to create a safe & supportive community for all persons of the Queer & Ally spectrum at Pratt Institute. Through education, outreach, activities, meetings, and campus wide events, Queer Pratt works to promote an accepting & supportive campus environment that learns and grows from the efforts of our cultural student organization, cultivating the member community as well as the greater Pratt community.
Its goals are to improve members’ experience at Pratt Institute, encourage self expression, provide opportunities to learn more about the queer history and create a stronger community at Pratt. Bi-weekly meetings include discussions of various queer community related topics, social events, lectures from inspirational speakers.
Contact Queer Pratt: queer@pratt.edu